Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, for many people across the country, their first introduction to Portland, Oregon, was the sketch comedy show ``Portlandia.'' Like any parody, it exaggerates reality. Contrary to popular belief, most Portlanders don't spend their time asking about a chicken's backstory at a farm-to-table restaurant and sorting their recycling into 50 bins. Mr. Speaker, I can tell you firsthand that the City of Roses is a place where people care about the environment, where their food comes from, sustainable transportation, and inclusive communities. There is no better advocate and no truer representative of Portland than my good friend, colleague, and mentor, Congressman Earl Blumenauer. Earl has been in public service for more than 50 years, 28 years here in Congress and 25 years in State and local government. He has devoted his career to making Oregon and the country more livable so individuals and families can be safe, healthy, and economically secure. As he has said, it is in his DNA to care about the community and to bring people together to accomplish a goal. Earl came to Congress after a special election in April 1996 when Ron Wyden moved to the Senate in one of five special elections that year. On the Hill, people know Earl by his bow ties, bike pins, and annual comedy events, but to those of us who know him well, he is so much more. Earl has a wide breadth of knowledge and extensive expertise gathered through his years in State and local government and now in Congress.…”